The Relationship between Parental Attitudes toward Nature and the Amount of Time Children Spend in Outdoor Recreation

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to investigate the relationship between parental attitudes toward nature and the amount of time children spend in in outdoor free play activities. Parents with children between 3 and 5 years old participated. Sixty-nine responses were gathered. The assessment tool was composed of four sections that asked parents about their attitudes toward nature and outdoor settings, their attitudes about their young children spending time outdoors, how much time their children spent in outdoor activities including free play, and demographic questions. Parents reported a positive view of nature and their children's outdoor recreation. Parents' attitudes toward nature and toward their children's outdoor recreation were related to the amount of time their children spent in free play outdoors.